Butterfly-Dragon
Dragon-Papillon
B
I have frequently wondered if the majority of mankind ever pause to reflect upon the occasionally titanic significance of dreams, and of the obscure world to which they belong. Whilst the greater number of our nocturnal visions are perhaps no more than faint and fantastic reflections of our waking experiences . . . there are still a certain remainder whose immundane and ethereal character permits of no ordinary interpretation, and whose vaguely exciting and disquieting effect suggests possible minute glimpses into a sphere of mental existence no less important than physical life, yet separated from that life by an all but impassable barrier. — H. P. Lovecraft The Butterfly-Dragon is an insectoid creature with beautifully-patterned wings, jointed legs, and a long curved neck and tail. When threatened, this animal emits a rose-colored mist from spiracles along its body wall. Within seconds, contact with this mist causes a deafness which can pursue a target dreamer even into the waking world. How the creature imposes the effect and why it finds hearing loss an adequate attack remains unclear. Psychotherapy alleviates the hearing loss if it persists, suggesting in turn a psychogenic cause. That could explain why the mist prompts different perceptual effects—dizziness, numbness, loss of taste and smell, temporary blindness—for a few days each year (Choirs, 1972). Habitat : gardens, meadows, wherever the scene is appealing.
rative Compa hart height c
86
Distribution : mostly in Sona-Nyl, the Land of Fancy. Occasionally wild specimens wander to other parts of the Dreamlands. The Butterfly-Dragon is tamable; wealthy families frequently keep one or a pair as pets and garden decorations. While the Butterfly-Dragon does not breed in captivity, it can happily live for centuries as a pet. Tales depict duets and trios of Butterfly-Dragons singing their children into existence; this has not been reliably observed. Life and Habits : feeds solely on nectar, fragrances, and silence; usually emits a soothing and melodic hum. The Butterfly-Dragon displays great facility in imitating tunes it has heard. The creature characteristically dances, plunging and swirling in what appear to be randomly beautiful patterns; analysis always reveals careful planning behind the patterns. The ability of a Butterfly-Dragon to fly is inexplicable, in view of its large mass and small wing surface. Distinguishing Butterfly-Dragons : •
Basilisks inhabit blasted lands, fly clumsily, and have feathers.
•
Lamp-efts are wingless, mouthless, and glow.
•
Magah Birds are feathered and much smaller.
